PollutionEngineering November 2012 : Page 18

PREVIEW OF THIRD REMTEC SUMMIT As the time grows closer for the next summit, here is a preview of what to expect. By Roy Bigham I n March 2013, from the 4th to the 6th, environmental pro-fessionals that are tasked with remediation responsibilities will join with academia and students to share the latest technology that when properly applied, can make this blue ball a better place to live. The RemTec Summit will be held in Westminster, which is located between Denver and Bolder Colo. The summit is presented by Pollution Engineering, along with the Georgia Institute of Technology. Our academic partner list at the moment includes Clarkston University, the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Tennessee and UCLA. Some 100 abstracts from various sources were received this year. A team of researchers are combing through the piles to put together the best presentations possible. Below is a list of some of the topics planned: • Biological Oxidation and Reduction of Contaminants; • NAPL Source Zone Characterization and Management; • Accelerated Site Closure and Performance Bases Contracts; • Chemical Oxidation and Reduction of Contaminants; • Advances in Site Investigation and Environmental Monitoring; • In-Situ Treatment of Metals and Radionuclides; • Thermal Treatment of Subsurface Contaminants; • Remediation of Large Plumes – Conquering the Scale Challenge; • Hydraulic Fracturing; • Measurement and Control of Subsurface Contaminant Flux and Its Use in Decision-Making; • Combined Remedy Approaches – Beyond Treatment Trains; • Student Workshop: Remediation 101; • Evolving Regulatory Approaches and Alternative Endpoints at Complex Sites; • Vapor Intrusion: Characterization, Attenuation and Mitigation; and 18 Pollution Engineering NOVEMBER 2012 • Sustainability Considerations and Green Remediation. • Note that a new topic included this year is for students studying environmental sciences. Additionally, we are taking a unique step in offering mentoring sessions for students. These are half-hour private sessions with industry professionals who will sit with the students and provide information about pursuing careers in this field. This industry continues to grow and develop. It is vital that we help the next generation develop and be in a position to take the next steps in their career path. The topics will be divided into three paths that will run concur-rently. The talks at each session are being finalized now and the agenda is updated as things fall into place. Keep visiting www.rem-tecsummit.com for updates on the posted agenda pages. I used to dislike events that started at 7 or 8 a.m. on a Monday. That meant I would have to travel on the weekend. Airlines once offered lower ticket prices for Saturday travel, but it also meant that I had to find something to do in a foreign city to amuse myself; usually by myself. Those days are gone, but Sunday is a time to watch football or spend time with family; a time to enjoy the things we want, when and where we want. This digression has a point. In Pollution Engineering’s first year planning this summit back in 2009, we tried to time the beginning of the event to allow attendees to travel during the week. We notice that a number of other conferences are doing the same thing these days. Though we are not taking credit, I enjoy the coincidence. So, the first ses-sion does not start until 1 o’clock in the afternoon on Monday. The closing remarks are at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday so attendees can have time to get to the airport to fly home. This conference is exciting! The sessions focus on technology and a sharing of field experiences. Our speakers are not there to sell products but to share ideas. While some are from industry, many are from academia or government agencies and yes, they are there to help. Imagine the number of technologies and sites a government agent sees and is involved with every year. Another thing we try to do is to lengthen the question and answer por-tions. I have attended talks where the speaker finishes and maybe there is time for two questions. We aim to provide about 20 min-utes for Q&A so that the audience can ask the questions and the speaker has plenty of time to properly share the answer. Register soon as space is limited and filling up quickly. Visit the website, www.remtecsummit.com, to learn more. We look forward to seeing you there! PE